If you thought airbags don’t matter that much or are wondering what the consequences may be of them not working, this guide is for you. Airbags are a key safety feature in every modern vehicle. They are designed to protect you during a crash by reducing the impact on your body, but you should know that airbags don’t always deploy in every accident.
So, sometimes, they fail to work when they should. This can lead to serious injuries. In this blog, you’ll learn how airbags protect you, what triggers them to deploy, and what steps to take if they don’t work in a crash.
Factors Affecting Airbag Deployment & Common Scenarios for Airbag Deployment
Airbag deployment depends on several factors. Vehicle make and model can change how and when airbags deploy, as each manufacturer uses different sensors and settings. And here, the speed and angle of impact are also important to see how hard of an impact it takes for airbags to deploy. The frontal airbags usually deploy in moderate to severe frontal crashes, while side or curtain airbags are triggered by side impacts or rollovers.
The system checks if the force and direction of the crash meet the needed threshold, and here the occupant size and seating position matter too; the advanced systems may adjust or skip deployment if sensors detect a child or small person, or if a seat is empty. In real-world crashes, airbags may not deploy if the impact is too minor, from the wrong angle, or if the sensors malfunction.
How Airbags Protect People Inside The Car
Airbags protect people inside the car by quickly inflating during a crash. They create a soft barrier that cushions the head and upper body. This helps prevent serious injuries from hitting hard parts like the steering wheel, dashboard, or windows, and airbags work with seat belts to reduce the force on the occupant’s body.
They inflate in milliseconds after sensors detect a strong impact, and after cushioning the occupants, airbags quickly deflate to avoid blocking movement or causing harm. Airbags are designed to keep people safer by lowering the risk of head, chest, and neck injuries during moderate to severe collisions.
Risks and Injuries When Airbags Fail
When airbags fail to deploy, the risk of serious injury increases. Without the cushion of an airbag, your head, neck, and chest are more likely to hit hard surfaces inside the car. This can cause head injuries, neck strain, chest trauma, and injuries to the lower body. Injuries may include concussions, broken bones, whiplash, and internal organ damage.
It is important to understand why the airbag did not deploy. The cause could be a defect, a previous deployment that was not repaired, or the specific circumstances of the crash.
Steps to Take if Your Airbags Don’t Deploy
After an accident, always seek medical attention right away, even if you feel fine. Some injuries may not show up immediately, and it’s best to document the scene by taking photos of the car, the airbags, and any injuries. You can also save any parts or pieces that may have come loose, and then report the incident to your insurance company and the vehicle manufacturer.
You can have your car inspected by a qualified mechanic or dealership to check for airbag system problems, as this helps identify the cause and supports any insurance or legal claims you may have.
Conclusion
If your airbag fails to deploy, you may have legal options. Sometimes, a manufacturing defect or improper repair is the cause, and in these cases, you can seek compensation for your injuries and losses. A lawyer can help by investigating the accident, collecting evidence, and identifying if the airbag system was faulty.
Legal counsel can guide you through the process, work with experts, and handle negotiations or lawsuits for you, and this helps you build a strong claim and increases your chances of fair compensation.